Passion of Christ - Philippines (14 images)

Philippine Holy Week celebrations in many parts of the country include re-enactments of a suffering Christ when thousands of devout Catholics sacrifice themselves to be beaten, humiliated, and defeated. Ritual includes self-flagellation, cross carrying, and communal lashings with glass embedded sticks. Many consider the self-inflicted pain to be a necessary contract with God, ensuring the health and well being of their family. These photos were taken in Bataan Province on Good Friday.